"The Upper Valley Zen Center is dedicated to the study and practice of Zen Buddhism; to understanding the nature of suffering and its resolution; and to acting on this insight to benefit everyday life."

Zen is the practice of Buddhism, the discipline and insight founded by the historical Buddha 2500 years ago. Our Center and the affiliated Dartmouth Zen Practice are led by Gendo Allyn Field, lay monk and teacher in the Rinzai Zen tradition. He received ordination from Joshu Sasaki in 2003 and suijishiki (teacher ordination) from Sandy Gentei Stewart in 2013. He is a "per diem" chaplain at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and leads Zen practice at Concord State Prison. We are located on the ground floor of 58 Bridge Street, White RIver Junction, VT (The Main Street Museum). Go down the driveway left of the building, park by the River and enter on that level. Click here for help finding us. All are welcome to join our practice regardless of experience, religious affiliation or financial means (see schedule ). Click here to contact us with your questions.

RETREAT SCHEDULE Winter/Spring retreats, one three and five days.

All Zen retreats will be held at "Moose Mountain Retreat "in Hanover, NH (picture left). Retreats involve meditation practice (instruction as needed), talks on a given topic or text, optional personal meeting with a teacher, meals, work periods, and free time to explore the secluded woodland location. All will be led by Gendo Allyn Field, UVZC teacher, with the 5 day retreat ('Sesshin') co-led by guest teacher Koshin Chris Cain, abbott of the Puget Sound Zen Center, Vachon Island, Washington State. Single day retreats are from 8 am to 4 pm. Three day retreats start 8 am the first day, ending at 4 pm the last day. Five and seven day retreats begin at 5 pm the night before and end at 9 pm on the final day. Overnight accommodations provided as needed.

​FAMILY ZEN

This is a new program at Upper Valley Zen Center for young families with grade school age children, interested in finding ways to incorporate Buddhist practice and principles into family life. So far we are meeting once a month, third Sunday of the month at 4 pm. Contact us if your family is interested, ​

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE -Wednesdays, 6 to 7 pm

​If you are new to Zen practice or need an orientation to our Center, join us Wednesdays 6 to 7 pm at Upper Valley Zen Center. While an introduction is recommended, newcomers are welcome at all events.

STUDY GROUP - Thursday nights, 7 to 8:30

Sitting/walking practice for the first half hour, followed by reading and discussion. No experience or preparation necessary. (Contact usto confirm the schedule when coming for the first time.)

A group meets weekly for meditation practice at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, 12:30 to 1:00, in the third floor chapel, Mondays and Wednesdays; led by Gendo (with ocassional substitutes). All are welcomed to join. Instruction offered as need

ZEN PRISON PROJECT

Prisoners at NH State prison in Concord have requested support for their Buddhist practice from Upper Valley Zen Center. Gendo and others from UVZC travel every other week to practice with the inmates on cushions purchased in a recent fundraising campaign, with thanks to all who donated. Click Here for news of this project

DARTMOUTH ZEN PRACTICE

Dartmouth students, staff and community members are welcome to join a practice group that meets Wednesday nights, 8 to 9 pm in North Fairbanks Hall, basement meditation room on Dartmouth College campus (directions here). The format is meditation practice followed by discussion on topics proposed by the group. There is also practice Thursday noon to 12:30, same location.

MIND AND EMPTINESS - Perspectives on the Nature of Consciousness Aconference at Dartmouth College, April 28,29, 2017, co-sponsored by UVZC.